WMBCTV: Valentine’s Day Cards for Veterans

It’s a heartfelt gesture - thanking the many local residents for serving in the country’s armed forces. And it was given with a personal touch by students who hand delivered Valentine’s Day cards to veterans. Peter Mathews, a veteran of the Army’s 1st Cavalry, serving in Vietnam, says that while he doesn’t know the child wrote his card, it’s still a meaningful gesture. 

“It’s something that makes you realize that we have to keep our stories alive,” Mathews said. “To have somebody that young doing this is very much appreciated.”

Wilfred Selby, who served in the Army from 1971 to 1973 as a combat medic, remembers what support was like during his time serving.

“After the war, when we got out, we didn’t have this kind of support. No one told us they were thankful for what we did, we were called dirty names and we were looked down on,” Selby said. “So now that the people, especially the young generation, the kids acknowledge that and show their respect, we appreciate that.”

This gathering held at the Bergenfield VFW Hall was also an opportunity for officials to announce new federal support for veterans.

“I’m announcing my ‘Support our Veterans’ strategy to do more to get the backs of those who have always gotten ours,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “We need to do more, in my opinion, to connect our veterans with the benefits they’ve earned like healthcare, housing, appointments in the VA and other assistance.”

Among other efforts such as living assistance, Gottheimer explains that the strategy is also aimed at combating civilian side food insecurity with the “No Veteran Should GO Hungry Act.”

“So many of our veterans come home after protecting our freedom and they can’t afford food for their own family,” Gottheimer said. “That is honestly despicable to me in our great country.”

Gottheimer says that the community’s dedication can’t stop when Veteran civilian life begins.